Tour de France champion Chris Froome confirms he will ride Vuelta a España

Froome, who won his second Tour title last month, has been included in Team Sky’s 14-man longlist submitted over the weekend and confirmed his participation for the 70th edition of the race via Twitter on Monday. “Looking forward to taking on the @lavuelta Tough but always exciting for the viewers #bringiton,” he wrote. After securing the yellow jersey, Dave Brailsford, hinted that the 30-year-old was considering attempting the double.

Froome finished as runner-up to Alberto Contador in last year’s race and could find himself up against Tour runner-up Nairo Quintana and 2014 champion Vincenzo Nibali, although Contador has decided not to race having won the Giro d’Italia earlier this year.

Welshman Geraint Thomas is also earmarked to ride the Vuelta after his impressive performance in support of Froome at the Tour.

Looking forward to taking on the @lavuelta Tough but always exciting for the viewers #bringiton